Apple has recently discovered and shared with the public that there is a critical bug in both its IOS and OS systems. The flaw makes their users susceptible to attackers which could intercept sensitive info sent on public WIFI networks.
Apple has since released a fix to the issue, but only for users that have updated to IOS 7. Most customers have updated to the newest version of IOS but 15% of total mobile users have not. This leaves a large portion of Apple's mobile device users capable of being attacked.
Little else is known about the bug or how it works, only that it involves the interception of data over public WIFIs like airports or coffee shops. Apple's policy interestingly forbids it from releasing any info regarding the vulnerability and how to prevent being attacked. Instead they are telling their customers to upgrade to the latest versions of their IOS and OS or risk becoming a victim. So why not just upgrade and save yourself any future hassle?
It seems the 15% of people still with older versions of the operating systems have their reasons. Many reports and stories have said that IOS 7 slows down older device models (IPhone 4, 4S, Ipads) and significantly shortens the battery life. Although there is not much empirical evidence supporting these claims, it has made many hesitant to upgrade. My roommate happens to be one of the 15%. That is, he willfully chooses not to upgrade his Iphone. His reasons, not so much technological, are because of the aesthetic changes in design between his version and the newer IOS 7. I think this offers an interesting perspective that some are putting themselves at serious risk just because they don't perceive any threat to them. It's hard to help those that seemingly don't wish to be helped or think these kind of cyber threats aren't real. Hackers will always be able to exploit vulnerabilities in these niches of people that decide what's best for them.
Having an Ipad myself and using it for banking transactions monthly if not weekly, it is worrisome that exploitations and bugs are continually discovered. The old belief that Apple products are less susceptible than their Windows based counterparts needs to be done away with. Just the other day I had a debate about which is the better computer, Windows or Apple. The argument that Apple products could not get viruses was one of my opponent's main arguments. No reason could sway them from this mentality. The reality is, with both companies having such a large consumer base, neither are really safer than the other. Needless to say, the best bet against these kind of bugs is to stay up to date in terms of software and stay knowledgeable in the realm of computer securities.
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